In collaboration with Fraunhofer IAO, a methodical framework was designed to enable businesses - regardless of prior knowledge - to explore user-centered applications for new technologies. The workshop provides structured guidance, interactive tools, and scenario-based exploration, allowing companies to evaluate technological impact, industry trends, and customer needs, transforming complex innovations into actionable strategies.
The developed workshop offers companies a structured pathway to explore and implement quantum sensing technologies. It combines practical tools from Design Thinking with the visionary perspective of Design Futuring. The outcome is a toolkit consisting of Q-Application Cards for inspiration, structured templates for mapping ideas, and a Vision Playbook that bridges technology capabilities with industry trends. This approach empowers businesses to develop ideas grounded in market needs, while also staying ahead of future developments. The workshop format encourages critical reflection, imaginative thinking, and a clear translation of abstract quantum concepts into tangible product and service strategies.
The project explored the innovation potential of NV quantum sensors through an iterative, agile process. Using expert interviews, benchmarking, and speculative design, it investigated how businesses can strategically adopt emerging technologies. NV centers are highly precise and cost-effective, functioning at room temperature—removing major technical barriers. Design Thinking focused on current user needs, while Design Futuring examined long-term trends and systemic shifts. This dual lens helped uncover both immediate product opportunities and visionary paths, aligning quantum sensing technology with practical applications and future market trajectories across various industries.
Merging speculative and practical design methods can turn emerging technology into opportunity. While Design Thinking grounds innovation in user needs, Design Futuring expands the horizon—enabling companies to think systemically and long-term. Visual and tactile tools, like cards and playbooks, make abstract technologies approachable and collaborative. Most importantly, aligning sensor capabilities with industry-specific challenges proved essential. Innovation emerges not only from technical novelty, but from deep contextual understanding. The project also revealed that democratizing access to complex systems fosters more inclusive and forward-thinking innovation processes across different organizational levels.
At the heart of the workshop is a modular system designed to guide participants from initial exploration to concrete concepts. Q-Application Cards and Q-Cards introduce real and speculative quantum use cases, sparking discussion. Templates provide structure for mapping needs, values, and technological possibilities. The Vision Playbook offers trend narratives and strategic prompts, linking industry developments with quantum potential. Each element is interconnected—allowing a nonlinear, creative workflow while ensuring consistency. This layered setup supports intuitive navigation through complex topics and ensures that participants not only generate ideas but also understand their relevance and feasibility in real-world business contexts.
